Jerry Lee Wheeler

Jerry Lee Wheeler died peacefully surrounded by friends and family on November 14,2025, at his residence in Tucson, Arizona. He was 87 years old. Jerry was born in Murdo, South Dakota on July 7,1938, to Fred and Helen Wheeler. He is survived by his sister Diane Olson of Tucson, Arizona, his niece Krista Trudgeon-Olson of Anaconda, Montana, and his niece Kimberly Rutlin and her husband Kofi, of Tucson, Arizona.

During his high school years in Murdo, he played varsity basketball and was a member of the band. After graduating from high school, he attended Black Hills State College in Spearfish, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in History and Social Science with a minor in Physical Education. Jerry also earned a Master of Arts degree in Guidance and Counseling at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield.

Jerry’s career took him to four different states to teach and coach basketball. He coached both girls’ and boys’ basketball teams at various times with students ranging from Junior High through College. In Kansas, he had the opportunity to coach a high school student who later became an NBA player and coach. In his first year coaching the high school girls’ team in Murdo, his team went to the State Tournament. Similarly, his boys’ teams went to the State Tournaments in 1984, 1986, and 1989.

After he retired, Jerry and his sister, Diane, spent 6 summers attending games at all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums. Jerry was a very devout Christian and shared his faith with those around him. He held various positions within First Assembly of God Church in Rapid City, SD while he was living there. Jerry moved to Tucson in January 2023 to be near his sister, his niece and her husband. His entire family is comforted knowing he is at peace, as he is now with the Lord.